Authority, manufacturers to tackle illicit tobacco trade

THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has signed and launched an Operations Agreement with British American Tobacco Fiji (BAT Fiji), to address the issue of illicit trade in tobacco products.

According to a statement, the deal marks "an exciting milestone for both FRCA and BAT Fiji" following the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005.

"More importantly, it marks a significant step towards strengthening the cooperation in the fight to curb and deter any future illegal tobacco trade activities throughout Fiji and the region," the statement said.

It said globally the sale and use of illegal tobacco ù encompassing tobacco which is smuggled, counterfeit or tax-evaded ù continued to rise and present a large problem for customs and border control authorities.